On week 7, the Azov–Black Sea region saw a return to rising freight rates following a slight decline the previous week. Contracts for the shipment of 3,000 tons of wheat from Azov to Marmara Sea ports are being concluded at USD 50 per ton. Despite a slight decrease in demand for Russian grain, freight rates continue to increase due to the limited availability of open tonnage for February laycan dates. This is обусловлено both weather conditions in the Kerch Strait and delays related to vessel inspections during transit. The export duty on Russian wheat will remain at zero for the fifth consecutive week starting February 11. Export duties on barley and corn will also remain at zero. The situation in the Baltic region is becoming more complicated due to persistently low temperatures and difficult ice conditions, which are leading to a further increase in freight rates. For freight rates please visit our website https://sealines.su/en/market-news/